Generating a pre-recorded response

ABSTRACT

GENERATING A PRE-RECORDED RESPONSE ABSTRACT Generating [ 300 ] a pre-recorded response is described. Input [ 110 ] that defines a title [ 140 ] of selectable input is received [ 305 ]. Pre-recorded media content [ 130 ] is received [ 310 ]. The pre-recorded media content [ 130 ] is associated with the title [ 140 ], wherein when the title [ 140 ] of selectable input is selected the pre-recorded media content [ 130 ] is played.

FIELD

The field of the present invention relates to computing systems. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to on-line video messages.

BACKGROUND

Participating in the world of sharing on-line videos can be a rich and rewarding experience. For example, one may easily share on-line videos with friends, family, and even strangers. Furthermore, feedback as to these shared on-line videos may be solicited.

However, in the effort to share a video with others, one may feel overly exposed while anxiously waiting for feedback. For example, the user may post a ‘funny’ video that is sure to get laughs, and then expectantly wait for others to respond with positive comments. However, if the time between the user posting the video and the user receiving comments becomes too long, the user may begin to feel anxious. The user may worry as to whether or not the video was indeed funny or perhaps even inappropriate.

While it takes effort on the user's part to post a video, it also takes effort to respond to a video. For example, in order to respond to the video with a video response, one must set up a web-cam, make sure that it is pointing in the right direction, make sure that there is nothing in the background of the camera shot that looks bad, record the video, and then wait for the video content to upload. Thus, responding to an on-line video with a video is, in many respects, a hassle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention for quick video message generators and, together with the description, serve to explain principles discussed below:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example quick video response generator in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example video message responder in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an example method of generating a pre-recorded response in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of an example computer system used for responding to an on-line message in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an example method of responding to an on-line message in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

The drawings referred to in this description should not be understood as being drawn to scale unless specifically noted.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with various embodiment(s), it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the present invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, the present invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the various embodiments as defined by the appended claims.

Furthermore, in the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present embodiments.

Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the following discussions, it is appreciated that throughout the present detailed description, discussions utilizing terms such as “receiving”, “associating”, “generating”, “accessing”, “transmitting”, “displaying”, “confirming”, or the like, refer to the actions and processes of a computer system, or similar electronic computing device. The computer system or similar electronic computing device manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system's registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission, or display devices. Embodiments of the present invention arc also well suited to the use of other computer systems such as, for example, optical and mechanical computers.

Overview of Discussion

Embodiments in accordance with the present invention pertain to a video message responder (VMR) and its usage. In one embodiment in accordance with the present invention, the VMR described herein enables the generation of a pre-recorded response to an on-line message.

More particularly, in one embodiment, a user provides the VMR with input, such as a word or phrase, whose meaning is intended to be used as a response to any number of received on-line messages. The VMR then generates a file that has this word or phrase as its title and is capable of receiving video content. Separately, the user also provides the VMR with video content that correlates with the meaning of this phrase. Then, the VMR places the video content into its related pre-titled file.

For example, suppose the user provides the VMR with input such as the phrase “That's great”. The VMR then generates a file titled as “That's great”. The user also provides the VMR with a video of the user with a bobbing head and a grandiose smile, shouting, “Wonderful!”. Then, the VMR places the content of this video into the pre-titled file, “That's great”.

Later, when the user wishes to express an encouraging response to an on-line message, the user may select the file titled, “That's great”. In response to this selection, the content of this video file (oneself shouting “Wonderful!” while enthusiastically bobbing the head and smiling with largess), will be played as a reply to the on-line message. Thus, the VMR generates pre-recorded responses and enables multiple assignments of a response to variable on-line messages. Additionally, the VMR allays the anxiety of the on-line message poster by encouraging such quick responses in lieu of recording a new video response every time.

Video Message Responder

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example video message responder (VMR) 100 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. VMR 100 includes response generator 105 and responder 145. Response generator 105 includes input receiver 115, pre-recorded media content receiver 125, and media content assignor 135. Responder 145 includes selection receiver 150, media content accessor 155, and media content transmitter 160.

Referring to FIG. 1, in one embodiment input receiver 115 receives input 120 that defines a title 140 of a selectable input. Input 110 may be a word, phrase, video frame, photograph, or any other image that represents a generic reusable response to variable on-line messages. For example, input 110 may be “LOL”, “Sounds great”, “Sorry”, or any other word or phrase. In another example, input 110 may be a photograph of a frolicking dog, or a video frame of a teacher scolding his students. Additionally, input 110 may be provided by a user or be predefined within an application. As will be described herein, VMR 100 then generates a file that has this word, phrase, video frame, photograph, or any other image, such as “Sounds great” or the video frame of the teacher scolding his students, as its title and is capable of receiving video content.

Furthermore, an on-line message may be any type of message sent or supplied by another. For example, the message may be a video clip or a text message. The message may be received by VMR 100 and/or accessed by VMR 100.

Referring still to FIG. 1, in one embodiment pre-recorded media content receiver 125 receives pre-recorded media content 130. In one embodiment, pre-recorded media content 130 is video content. In another embodiment, pre-recorded media content 130 is audio content. Yet in another embodiment, pre-recorded media content is both video and audio content. For example, when the media content 130 is video content, the video content may include a visual scene with sound or just a video scene (without sound). The visual scene may be presented as still or with movement therein. When the media content 130 is audio only content, the audio only content is just that, a recording of sound or lack thereof.

Furthermore, pre-recorded media content 130 may be recorded by a user and saved for later receiving by media content receiver 125. In another embodiment, pre-recorded media content 130 may be recorded by someone other than the user and saved for later receiving by media content receiver 125. Pre-recorded media content 130 may be saved on various mediums (e.g., VMR 100, a server).

For example, pre-recorded media content 130 that is recorded by a flash player may be saved on an accessible server. The user may then direct media content receiver 125 of VMR 100 to access pre-recorded media content 130 at the server. In another embodiment, VMR 100 may be programmed to have pre-recorded media content 130 available thereon, and accessed at the user's direction. In yet another embodiment, media content receiver 125 may be programmed to automatically access pre-recorded media content 130 without a user's input. Thus, pre-recorded media content 130 may be recorded for later receiving by media content receiver 125 or may be immediately available for receiving by media content receiver 125.

Referring to FIG. 1, in one embodiment media content assignor 135 associates pre-recorded media content 130 with title 140, wherein when the title of selectable input is selected the pre-recorded media content 130 is played.

Referring still to FIG. 1, in one embodiment selection receiver 150 receives a selection of title 140 at an interface, wherein title 140 is associated with pre-recorded media content 130. In other words, pre-recorded media content 130 corresponds to the meaning of title 140.

In one embodiment, media content accessor 155 accesses pre-recorded media content 130. Then, media content transmitter 160 transmits pre-recorded media content 130 via the interface. In effect, the transmission provides the response to the on-line message that the user of VMR 100 viewed.

With reference now to FIG. 2, a block diagram of an example VMR 100 is shown in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. VMR 100 includes the previously described response generator 105 and responder 145, as well as list generator 205 and portion receiver 215.

Referring to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, list generator 205 generates a list of responses 210, wherein each response of list of responses 210 is associated with pre-recorded media content 130. For example, in one embodiment the list of responses 210 is a list of titles. Furthermore, each response of list of responses 210 has a name corresponding to pre-recorded media content 130 therein. This list of responses 210 may be presented in any form that enables a user to select a response 140 (e.g. drop-down menu).

Furthermore, in one embodiment, portion receiver 215 receives a portion less than a whole of pre-recorded media content 130, wherein the portion corresponds to the title of the selectable input. For example, the portion less than the whole of pre-recorded media content 130 may be just twenty percent of pre-recorded media content 130. However, the content of this twenty percent of received pre-recorded media content 130 corresponds to the title of the selectable input.

Furthermore, in one embodiment, VMR 100 is coupled with database of files 220. Each file of the database of files 220 has a title as a name representing a reusable generic response to variable on-line messages. For example, the same title, along with the contents of the titled file, may be selected to respond to several different on-line messages. In this manner, the file is reusable. Referring still to FIG. 2, file 225 is an example of a file that would be found within database of files 220 and that may be reused.

Operation

More generally, in embodiments in accordance with the present invention, VMR 100 is utilized to generate pre-recorded responses to on-line messages. Such a method of generating a pre-recorded response is particularly useful to enable responses to on-line messages.

Referring now to 300 of FIG. 3, a flowchart of an example method of generating a pre-recorded response in accordance with embodiments of the present invention is shown.

Referring to 305 of FIG. 3, in one embodiment of the present invention, input 110 is received, wherein input 110 defines a title 140 of selectable input. Input may be, but is not limited to, a word, phrase, or an image. Referring to 310 of FIG. 3, in one embodiment pre-recorded media content 130 is received.

Referring to 315 of FIG. 3, in one embodiment, pre-recorded media content 130 is associated with title 140 such that when the title of selectable input is selected the pre-recorded media content 130 is played.

For example, a user may want to have a file generated that is titled as the input, “LOL” (laugh out loud). This “LOL” file is intended to hold video that relates to the term “LOL”. In one example, the video may be that of the user or someone else laughing. In another example, the video may be that of the user or someone else stating, “So funny”, while making a funny face. Thus, in one embodiment file 225 titled as input 110 (“LOL”) is generated.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the user intends that pre-recorded media content 130 and input 110 correlate. For example, if input 110 is “good news”, corresponding media content 130 may be a video of someone shouting, “Great news, can't wait to hear about it”. As shown, the feeling of the wording, “good news”, matches the statement, “Great news, can't wait to hear about it”.

In another embodiment, input 110 is an image of a person in a fender-bender and its corresponding media content 130 is a short video of someone in a minor car crash. In one example, if a user receives a message from a friend describing a day full of mishaps, the user may select this image of a person in a fender-bender in order to respond to the friend's message with a short video of the minor car crash. As seen, a video image utilized as a title of selectable input and also as the title of the file keys to the user the contents of the file.

In one embodiment, file 225 is capable of receiving interchangeable media. For example, file 120 may receive at one point in time a video clip of a dog running through the woods and barking excitedly. Later on, file 120 may receive a video clip of a bird happily chirping, and replace the running dog video clip.

For example, a new video file entry labeled “LOL” may be created in database of files 220. In one embodiment, file 225 titled as “LOL” is generated in response to user instruction to generate such a new video file entry. In one embodiment, if the user is in fact changing pre-recorded media content 130 within file 225, then the entry would just be updated as opposed to deleting file 225 and adding a new one. In another embodiment, file 225 may be deleted and a new file added.

In another embodiment of the present invention, VMR 100 confirms the assigning of pre-recorded media content 130 to file 225 (titled as “LOL”), such with a signal. A signal may be any indication method. One method of confirmation may be to refresh the page displayed to the user. Another method of confirmation may be to visibly confirm the associating of pre-recorded media content 130 by generating a messaging, sound, and/or light. For example, a small beam of light may flash on and off after a page has been refreshed. While in another example, the phrase, “media assigned”, may be displayed to the user to indicate that the task has been accomplished.

Furthermore, in one embodiment a portion less than the whole of pre-recorded media content 130 is accessed, wherein the portion corresponds to the meaning of input 110. For example, pre-recorded media content 130 may be a video clip that runs for 30 seconds. However, VMR 100 accesses only the first 5 seconds of the video clip. Accessing less than the whole available portion of a video clip enables a short concise response to an on-line message.

Hence, the present invention enables the generation of pre-recorded responses to on-line messages. Furthermore, enabling the generation of such responses encourages the sharing of media content, and reduces the anxiety experienced in waiting for comments regarding the media content. Additionally, if a message is received on a mobile device and one does not have a video recorder handy, then one may still be able to respond to the message with a video.

Example Computer System Environment

With reference now to FIG. 4, portions of the invention for generating a pre-recorded response are composed of computer-readable and computer-executable instructions that reside, for example, in computer-usable media of a computer system. That is, FIG. 4 illustrates one example of a type of computer that can be used to implement embodiments, which are discussed below, of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example computer system 400 used in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. It is appreciated that system 400 of FIG. 4 is an example only and that the present invention can operate on or within a number of different computer systems including general purpose networked computer systems, embedded computer systems, routers, switches, server devices, user devices, various intermediate devices/artifacts, stand alone computer systems, and the like. As shown in FIG. 4, computer system 400 of FIG. 4 is well adapted to having peripheral computer readable media 402 such as, for example, a compact disc, and the like coupled thereto.

System 400 of FIG. 4 includes an address/data bus 404 for communicating information, and a processor 406A coupled to bus 404 for processing information and instructions. As depicted in FIG. 4, system 400 is also well suited to a multi-processor environment in which a plurality of processors 406A, 406B, and 406C are present. Conversely, system 400 is also well suited to having a single processor such as, for example, processor 406A. Processors 406A, 406B, and 406C may be any of various types of microprocessors. System 400 also includes data storage features such as a computer usable volatile memory 408, e.g. random access memory (RAM), coupled to bus 404 for storing information and instructions for processors 406A, 406B, and 406C.

System 400 also includes computer usable non-volatile memory 410, e.g. read only memory (ROM), coupled to bus 404 for storing static information and instructions for processors 406A, 406B, and 406C. Also present in system 400 is a data storage unit 412 (e.g., a magnetic or optical disk and disk drive) coupled to bus 404 for storing information and instructions. System 400 also includes an optional alpha-numeric input device 414 including alphanumeric and function keys coupled to bus 404 for communicating information and command selections to processor 406A or processors 406A, 406B, and 406C. System 400 also includes an optional cursor control device 416 coupled to bus 404 for communicating user input information and command selections to processor 406A or processors 406A, 406B, and 406C. System 400 of the present embodiment also includes an optional display device 418 coupled to bus 404 for displaying information.

Referring still to FIG. 4, optional display device 418 of FIG. 4 may be a liquid crystal device, cathode ray tube, plasma display device or other display device suitable for creating graphic images and alpha-numeric characters recognizable to a user. Optional cursor control device 416 allows the computer user to dynamically signal the movement of a visible symbol (cursor) on a display screen of display device 418. Many implementations of cursor control device 416 are known in the art including a trackball, mouse, touch pad, joystick or special keys on alpha-numeric input device 414 capable of signaling movement of a given direction or manner of displacement. Alternatively, it will be appreciated that a cursor can be directed and/or activated via input from alpha-numeric input device 414 using special keys and key sequence commands.

System 400 is also well suited to having a cursor directed by other means such as, for example, voice commands. System 400 also includes an I/O device 420 for coupling system 400 with external entities.

Referring still to FIG. 4, various other components are depicted for system 400. Specifically, when present, an operating system 422, applications 424, modules 426, and data 428 arc shown as typically residing in one or some combination of computer usable volatile memory 408, e.g. random access memory (RAM), and data storage unit 412. However, it is appreciated that in some embodiments, operating system 422 may be stored in other locations such as on a network or on a flash drive; and that further, operating system 422 may be accessed from a remote location via, for example, a coupling to the internet. In one embodiment, the present invention, for example, is stored as an application 424 or module 426 in memory locations within RAM 408 and memory areas within data storage unit 412.

Computing system 400 is only one example of a suitable computing environment and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of the present invention. Neither should the computing environment 400 be interpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating to any one or combination of components illustrated in the example computing system 400.

The present invention may be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by a computer. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The present invention may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote computer-storage media including memory-storage devices.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process 500 for responding to an on-line message, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, process 500 is carried out by processors and electrical components under the control of computer readable and computer executable instructions. The computer readable and computer executable instructions reside, for example, in data storage features such as computer usable volatile and non-volatile memory. However, the computer readable and computer executable instructions may reside in any type of computer readable medium. In one embodiment, process 500 is performed by system 100 of FIG. 1.

Referring to 505 of FIG. 5, in one embodiment, a selection of title 140 at an interface is received, wherein title 140 is associated with pre-recorded media content 130.

In another embodiment and referring to 510 of FIG. 5, pre-recorded media content 130 is accessed. Referring to 515 of FIG. 5, in yet another embodiment, pre-recorded media content 130 is transmitted. As was described herein, this pre-recorded media content 130 is to be communicated as the response to an on-line message that was received at the interface, wherein the transmitting is initiated at the interface.

Thus, embodiments of the present invention generate a pre-recorded response and enables multiple assignments of a response to variable on-line messages. Additionally, the VMR reduces the hassle experienced by a user trying to respond to an on-line message.

Although the subject matter has been described in a language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims. 

1. A method of generating a pre-recorded response, said method comprising: receiving input that defines a title of selectable input; receiving pre-recorded media content; associating said pre-recorded media content with said title, wherein when said title of selectable input is selected said pre-recorded media content is played.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving said pre-recorded media content, wherein said pre-recorded media content is video content.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving said pre-recorded media content, wherein said pre-recorded media content is audio content.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: generating a list of responses, wherein each response of said list of responses is associated with pre-recorded media content.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein said receiving pre-recorded media content comprises: receiving a portion less than a whole of said pre-recorded media content, wherein said portion corresponds to said title of selectable input.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: confirming said associating with a signal.
 7. A computer usable medium comprising instructions that when executed cause a computer system to perform a method of responding to an on-line message, said method comprising: receiving a selection of a title at an interface, wherein said title is associated with pre-recorded media content; accessing said pre-recorded media content; and transmitting said pre-recorded media content to be communicated as said response to an on-line message that was received at said interface, wherein said transmitting is initiated at said interface.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein said accessing said pre-recorded media content comprises: accessing video content.
 9. The method of claim 7, wherein said accessing said pre-recorded media content comprises: accessing audio content.
 10. The method of claim 7, wherein said transmitting comprises: displaying said pre-recorded media content at said interface.
 11. A video message responder comprising: a response generator configured for generating a pre-recorded response to an on-line message comprising: an input receiver configured for receiving input that defines a title of selectable input; pre-recorded media content receiver configured to receive pre-recorded media content; a media content assignor configured to associate said pre-recorded media content with said title, wherein when said title of selectable input is selected said pre-recorded media content is played; a responder configured for enabling a display of said pre-recorded response to said on-line message, said responder comprising: a selection receiver configured to receive a selection of a title at an interface, wherein said title is associated with pre-recorded media content; a media content accessor configured to access said pre-recorded media content; and a media content transmitter configured to transmit said pre-recorded media content via said interface.
 12. The video message responder of claim 11 wherein said pre-recorded media content comprises video content.
 13. The video message responder of claim 11 wherein said pre-recorded media content comprises audio content.
 14. The video message responder of claim 11, further comprising: a list generator configured for generating a list of responses, wherein each response of said list of responses is associated with pre-recorded media content.
 15. The video message responder of claim 11, further comprising: a portion receiver configured for receiving a portion less than a whole of said pre-recorded media content, wherein said portion corresponds to said title of selectable input. 